Home system and method of determining if a fob is in range or out of range of wireless communication with a server

ABSTRACT

A home system includes a server having a first wireless communication port and a first non-wireless communication port. One or more fobs include a second wireless communication port adapted to communicate with the first wireless communication port of the server. One or more sensor nodes or device nodes different than the fobs include a third wireless communication port adapted to send information to or receive information from the first wireless communication port of the server. The server is adapted to determine if at least one of the fobs is out of range of wireless communication with the server and to responsively send information from the first non-wireless communication port of the server or to responsively send information from the first wireless communication port of the server to at least one of the sensor or device nodes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to commonly assigned:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/686,187, filed Oct. 15, 2003,entitled “Home System Including A Portable Fob Having A Display”;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/686,179, filed Oct. 15, 2003,entitled “Home System Including A Portable Fob Having A Rotary Menu AndA Display”; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/686,016, filed Oct. 15, 2003,entitled “Home System Including A Portable Fob Mating With SystemComponents”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to home systems and, more particularly,to home systems employing input sensors and/or output devices andwireless communication. The invention also relates to methods forwireless communication in a home system.

2. Background Information

Wireless communication networks are an emerging new technology, whichallows users to access information and services electronically,regardless of their geographic position.

Home (e.g., residential; house; apartment) monitoring, security, andautomation (control) systems are well known.

A common type of stand-alone sensor for the home is the conventionalsmoke detector, which typically employs an audible signal for alarmingand a blinking light (e.g., a LED) as a normal condition monitor. Afamily of such stand-alone sensors exists including, for example,audible door alarms.

Relatively low power, radio frequency (RF) lighting control systemsemploy wall-mounted, battery powered, RF switch “sensors”. Such a sensorsends a signal to a remote power control device, such as relay, in orderto turn one or more house lights on and off.

Unlike stand-alone devices, a low power, RF sensor device allows itssensor to be connected to a remote controller or monitor. A simpleexample of this is the automatic garage door opener. In this example,the “sensor” is a button in a car. When the button is pushed, thiscauses the garage door to open or close.

It is known to provide a sensor system in which a plurality of sensorsare connected, either directly with wires or indirectly with RFcommunications, to a central control and monitoring device. An exampleof such a sensor system is a security system, which may include atelephone line for dial out/in communication.

Known home monitoring and security systems require the manual setting ofan elevated level of notification and alerting. For example, due to theneed for manual arming and disarming, security systems are often notarmed when needed. For example, the user forgets a “passcode” (password)or forgets to arm the system. Also, the user might inadvertently forgetto disarm the system and, thus, may cause a nuisance alarm.

It is known to employ the proximity of a keyfob to a vehicle, such as acar, to lock or unlock that vehicle. This is typically done with an RFsystem that detects whether the keyfob is in range of the vehicle. Forexample, as a keyless entry system, an automobile can be configured suchthat the doors unlock as the holder of the keyfob approaches the vehicleand, similarly, the vehicle doors can be automatically locked when theholder travels beyond a certain distance from the vehicle.

There is room for improvement in home systems employing wirelesscommunication and in methods of wireless communication.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs and others are met by the present invention, which providesa mechanism to provide an automatic system-level setting (e.g., arming;disarming) of a system function, such as, for example, a higher state ofcommunication/notification within a home system. The home systemautomatically detects the absence (or presence) of a fob in the systemand automatically elevates or arms (or lowers or disarms) thenotification. This enhanced absence/presence detection affordsadditional functionalities in the home system since the fob's presenceor absence is now “sensed” by the system, which can operate differentlybased upon this information.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a home system comprises:a server comprising a first wireless communication port and a firstnon-wireless communication port; at least one fob, each of the at leastone fob comprising a second wireless communication port adapted tocommunicate with the first wireless communication port of the server;and at least one node different than the at least one fob, each of theat least one node being a sensor node or a device node and comprising athird wireless communication port adapted to send information to orreceive information from the first wireless communication port of theserver, wherein the server is adapted to determine if at least one ofthe at least one fob is out of range of wireless communication with theserver and to responsively send information from the first non-wirelesscommunication port of the server or to responsively send predeterminedinformation from the first wireless communication port of the server toat least one of the at least one node.

The at least one fob may be a single fob which is adapted toperiodically send a message from the second wireless communication portof the single fob to the first wireless communication port of theserver. The server may be adapted to determine that the single fob isout of range by detecting whether the periodically sent message wasreceived in a predetermined time interval.

The single fob may be adapted to periodically send the message from thesecond wireless communication port of the single fob to the firstwireless communication port of the server about once per minute. Thepredetermined time interval may be about three minutes.

The server may be adapted to send alert messages responsive to receivinginformation from the at least one node on the first wirelesscommunication port of the server, and to send the alert messages to thesingle fob from the first wireless communication port of the server ifthe server receives the periodically sent message from the secondwireless communication port of the single fob at the first wirelesscommunication port of the server in the predetermined time interval and,otherwise, to send the alert messages from the first non-wirelesscommunication port of the server.

The server may be adapted to send alert messages responsive to receivinginformation from the at least one node on the first wirelesscommunication port of the server, and to send the alert messages to theat least one fob from the first wireless communication port of theserver if the at least one of the at least one fob is in range ofwireless communication with the server and, otherwise, to send the alertmessages from the first non-wireless communication port of the server.

The server may include a first mode and a second mode. The first modemay be adapted to only send the alert messages to the at least one fobfrom the first wireless communication port of the server, and the secondmode may be adapted to send the alert messages from the firstnon-wireless communication port of the server if at least one of the atleast one fob is out of range of wireless communication with the serverand, otherwise, to send the alert messages from the first wirelesscommunication port of the server to the at least one fob.

The at least one node may include a plurality of output devices. Theserver may be adapted to send control information to the output devicesfrom the first wireless communication port of the server. The server,responsive to determining that the at least one of the at least one fobis out of range of wireless communication with the server, may send acorresponding predetermined output state to at least some of the outputdevices as the control information.

The device node may be an output device. The server may be adapted tosend control information to the output device from the first wirelesscommunication port of the server, and the server, responsive todetermining that the at least one of the at least one fob is out ofrange of wireless communication with the server, may send apredetermined output state to the output device as the controlinformation.

The at least one node may include a plurality of output devices. Theserver may be adapted to send control information to the output devicesfrom the first wireless communication port of the server, and theserver, responsive to determining that the at least one of the at leastone fob is out of range of wireless communication with the server, maysend a corresponding predetermined output state to at least some of theoutput devices as the control information.

As another aspect of the invention, a method of wireless communicationcomprises: employing a server including a first wireless communicationport and a first non-wireless communication port; employing a fobincluding a second wireless communication port adapted to communicatewith the first wireless communication port of the server; employing atleast one sensor node or device node, the at least one sensor node ordevice node being different than the fob and including a third wirelesscommunication port; sending information to the third wirelesscommunication port of the device node from the first wirelesscommunication port of the server or receiving information at the firstwireless communication port of the server from the third wirelesscommunication port of the sensor node; and determining if the fob is outof range of wireless communication with the server and responsivelysending information from the first non-wireless communication port ofthe server or responsively sending predetermined information from thefirst wireless communication port of the server to at least one of theat least one sensor node or device node.

The method may include employing an output device as the at least onesensor node or device node; sending control information to the outputdevice from the first wireless communication port of the server; andresponsive to determining that the fob is out of range of wirelesscommunication with the server, sending a predetermined output state tothe output device as the control information.

The method may further comprise receiving information from the at leastone sensor node or device node on the first wireless communication portof the server; sending alert messages responsive to the receivinginformation from the at least one sensor node or device node on thefirst wireless communication port of the server; and sending the alertmessages to the fob from the first wireless communication port of theserver when the fob is in range of wireless communication with theserver and alternatively sending the alert messages from the firstnon-wireless communication port of the server when the fob is out ofrange of wireless communication with the server.

The method may include employing an output device as the at least onesensor node or device node; sending control information to the outputdevice from the first wireless communication port of the server; andresponsive to determining that the fob is out of range of wirelesscommunication with the server, sending a predetermined output state tothe output device as the control information.

As another aspect of the invention, a home system comprises: a servercomprising a first wireless communication port and a first non-wirelesscommunication port; and at least one fob, each of the at least one fobcomprising a second wireless communication port adapted to communicatewith the first wireless communication port of the server, wherein theserver is adapted to responsively enable a first system function if atleast one of the at least one fob is out of range of wirelesscommunication with the server and, otherwise, to responsively disablethe first system function and to enable a different second systemfunction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a home wellness system in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the base station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of a base station in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the fob of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of one of the input sensors of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A-6C are message flow diagrams showing the interaction betweenthe fob and the base station for sending data and alerts to the fob ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 7A-7B are message flow diagrams showing the interaction betweenone of the sensors and the base station of FIG. 1 for monitoring thatsensor.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of software executed by the base station of FIG. 1in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of software executed by the base station of FIG. 1in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of software executed by the base station of FIG.2B in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of software executed by the base station of FIG.1 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a message flow diagram showing the interaction between one ofthe sensors, the base station and the control device of FIG. 1 forautomatically controlling that device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As employed herein, the term “wireless” shall expressly include, but notbe limited by, radio frequency (RF), infrared, wireless area networks,IEEE 802.11 (e.g., 802.11a; 802.11b; 802.11g), IEEE 802.15 (e.g.,802.15.1; 802.15.3, 802.15.4), other wireless communication standards,DECT, PWT, pager, PCS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, and cellular.

As employed herein, the term “communication network” shall expresslyinclude, but not be limited by, any local area network (LAN), wide areanetwork (WAN), intranet, extranet, global communication network, theInternet, and/or wireless communication network.

As employed herein, the term “portable wireless communicating device”shall expressly include, but not be limited by, any portablecommunicating device having a wireless communication port (e.g., aportable wireless device; a portable personal computer (PC); a PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA); a data phone).

As employed herein, the term “fob” shall expressly include, but not belimited by, a portable wireless communicating device; a wireless networkdevice; a wireless object that is directly or indirectly carried by aperson; a wireless object that is worn by a person; a wireless objectthat is placed on or coupled to a household object (e.g., arefrigerator; a table); a wireless object that is coupled to or carriedby a personal object (e.g., a purse; a wallet; a credit card case); aportable wireless object; and/or a handheld wireless object.

As employed herein, the term “network coordinator” (NC) shall expresslyinclude, but not be limited by, any communicating device, which operatesas the coordinator for devices wanting to join a communication networkand/or as a central controller in a wireless communication network.

As employed herein, the term “network device” (ND) shall expresslyinclude, but not be limited by, any communicating device (e.g., aportable wireless communicating device; a fob; a camera/sensor device; awireless camera; a control device; and/or a fixed wireless communicatingdevice, such as, for example, switch sensors, motion sensors ortemperature sensors as employed in a wirelessly enabled sensor network),which participates in a wireless communication network, and which is nota network coordinator.

As employed herein, the term “node” includes NDs and NCs.

As employed herein, the term “headless” means without any user inputdevice and without any display device.

As employed herein, the term “server” shall expressly include, but notbe limited by, a “headless” base station; and/or a network coordinator.

As employed herein, the term “residence” shall expressly include, butnot be limited by, a home, apartment, dwelling, office and/or placewhere a person or persons reside(s) and/or work(s).

As employed herein, the term “home system” shall expressly include, butnot be limited by, a system for a home or other type of residence.

As employed herein, a home wellness system shall expressly include, butnot be limited by, a home system for monitoring and/or configuringand/or controlling aspects of a home or other type of residence.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless home wellness system 2. Thesystem 2 includes a “headless” RF base station 4, a portable RF fob or“house key” 6, a plurality of RF sensors, such as 8,10, and one or moreRF output devices, such as 12 (only one device 12 is shown in FIG. 1).The RF base station 4 may include a suitable link 14 (e.g., telephone;DSL; Ethernet) to the Internet 16 and, thus, to a web server 18. Thesensors 8,10 may include, for example, the analog sensor 8 and theon/off digital detector 10. The device 12 may include, for example, awater valve and/or a wide range of output devices. The sensors 8,10,device 12, base station 4 and fob 6 all employ relatively shortdistance, relatively very low power, RF communications. These components4,6,8,10,12 form a wireless network 20 in which the node ID for each ofsuch components is unique and preferably is stored in a suitablenon-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, on each such component.

The base station 4 (e.g., a wireless web server; a network coordinator)may collect data from the sensors 8,10 and “page,” or otherwise send anRF alert message to, the fob 6 in the event that a critical statuschanges at one or more of such sensors.

The fob 6 may be employed as both a portable in-home monitor for thevarious sensors 8,10 and device 12, also, as a portable configurationtool for the base station 4 and such sensors and such device, and,further, as a remote control for such device.

The example base station 4 is headless and includes no user interface.Alternatively, the invention is applicable to servers, such as basestations, having a local or remote user interface. The sensors 8,10preferably include no user interface, although some sensors may have astatus indicator (e.g., an LED (not shown)). The user interfacefunctions are provided by the fob 6 as will be discussed in greaterdetail, below. As shown with the device 12, the network 20 preferablyemploys an adhoc, multihop capability, in which the sensors 8,10, thedevice 12 and the fob 6 do not have to be within range of the basestation 4, in order to communicate.

FIG. 2A shows the base station 4 of FIG. 1. The base station 4 includesa suitable first processor 22 (e.g., PIC® model 18F2320, marketed byMicrochip Technology Inc. of Chandler, Ariz.), having RAM memory 24 anda suitable second radio or RF processor 26 having RAM 28 and PROM 30memory. The first and second processors 22,26 communicate through asuitable serial interface (e.g., SCI; SPI) 32. The second processor 26,in turn, employs an RF transceiver (RX/TX) 34 having an external antenna36. As shown with the processor 22, the various base station componentsreceive power from a suitable AC/DC power supply 38. The first processor22 receives inputs from a timer 25 and a program switch 42 (e.g., whichdetects mating or engagement with the fob 6 of FIG. 1). The EEPROMmemory 40 is employed to store the unique ID of the base station 4 aswell as other nonvolatile information such as, for example, the uniqueIDs of other components, which are part of the wireless network 20, andother configuration related information. The second processor 26 may be,for example, a CC1010 RF Transceiver marketed by Chipcon AS of Oslo,Norway. The processor 26 incorporates a suitable microcontroller core44, the relatively very low-power RF transceiver 34, and hardware DESencryption/decryption (not shown).

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of another base station 46. The base station4 of FIG. 2A is similar to the base station 46 of FIG. 2B, except thatit also includes one or more interfaces 48,50,52 to a personal computer(PC) (not shown), a telephone line (not shown) and a network, such as anEthernet local area network (LAN) (not shown). In this example, the PICprocessor 22 communicates with a local PC through a suitable RS-232interface 48 and connector J1, with a telephone line through a suitablemodem 50 and connector J2, and with an Ethernet LAN through an Ethernetport 52 and connector J3. Hence, the modem 50 may facilitatecommunications with a remote cellular telephone, other portableelectronic device (e.g., a PDA (not shown)) or a remote service provider(not shown), and the Ethernet port 52 may provide communications withthe Internet 16 of FIG. 1 and, thus, with a remote PC or other clientdevice (not shown).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the fob 6 of FIG. 1. The fob 6 includes asuitable first processor 54 (e.g., PIC) having RAM memory 56 and asuitable second radio or RF processor 58 having RAM 60 and PROM 62memory. The first and second processors 54,58 communicate throughsuitable serial interface (e.g., SCI; SPI) 64. The EEPROM memory 72 isemployed to store the unique ID of the fob 6 as well as othernonvolatile information. For example, there may be a nonvolatile storagefor icons, character/font sets and sensor labels (e.g., the base station4 sends a message indicating that an on/off sensor or device is ready toconfigure, and the fob 6 looks up the on/off sensor or device and findsa predefined list of names to choose from). This expedites a relativelyrapid interaction. The fob 6 may also employ a short term memory cache(not shown) that is used when the fob 6 is out of range of the basestation 4. This stores the list of known sensors and devices and theirlast two states. This permits the user, even if away, to review, forexample, what door was open or what valve was closed, when the fob 6 waslast in range.

The second processor 58, in turn, employs an RF transceiver (RX/TX) 66having an external antenna 68. As shown with the processor 54, thevarious components of the fob 6 receive power from a battery 70. Thefirst processor 54 receives inputs from a timer 55, a suitable proximitysensor, such as a sensor/base/device program switch 74 (e.g., whichdetects mating or engagement with one of the sensors 8,10 or with thedevice 12 or with the base station 4 of FIG. 1), and a user inputdevice, such as, for example, the exemplary encoder 76 or rotaryselector/switch, such as a thumbwheel encoder. Typically, such encoder76 also includes a button 77, through which the user presses, clicksand/or double-clicks to initiate actions through the fob user interface.The first processor 54 also sends outputs to a suitable display 78(e.g., a 120×32 LCD), one or more visual alerts, such as a red backlight80 (e.g., an alert is present) and a green backlight 82 (e.g., no alertis present) for the display 78, and an alert device 84 (e.g., a suitableaudible, visual or vibrating device providing, for example, a sound,tone, buzzer, vibration or flashing light).

The program switch 74 may be, for example, an ESE-24MH1T Panasonic®two-pole detector switch or a Panasonic® EVQ-11U04M one-polemicro-switch. This program switch 74 includes an external pivotable orlinear actuator (not shown), which may be toggled in one of twodirections (e.g., pivoted clockwise and counter-clockwise; in and out),in order to close one of one or two normally open contacts (not shown).Such a two-pole detector is advantageous in applications in which thefob 6 is swiped to engage the sensors 8,10, the device 12 or the basestation 4. Hence, by monitoring one of those contacts, when the fob 6 isswiped in one linear direction (e.g., without limitation, right to left,or left to right), the corresponding contact is momentarily closed,without concern for overtravel of the corresponding engagement surface(not shown). Similarly, by monitoring the other of those contacts, whenthe fob 6 is swiped in the other linear direction (e.g., withoutlimitation, left to right, or right to left), the corresponding contactis momentarily closed and another suitable action (e.g., a diagnosticfunction; a suitable action in response to removal of the fob 6; aremoval of a component from the network 20; an indication to enter adifferent configuration or run mode) may be undertaken.

Although a physical switch 74 is disclosed, an “optical” switch (notshown) may be employed, which is activated when the fob 6, or portionthereof, “breaks” an optical beam when mating with another systemcomponent. Alternatively, any suitable device or sensor (e.g., a reedswitch and a magnet) may be employed to detect that the fob 6 hasengaged or is suitably proximate to another system component, such asthe base station 4 or sensors 8,10 or device 12 of FIG. 1.

The encoder 76 may be, for example, an AEC11BR series encoder marketedby CUI Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg. Although the encoder 76 is shown, anysuitable user input device (e.g., a combined rotary switch andpushbutton; touch pad; joystick button) may be employed. Although thealert device 84 is shown, any suitable annunciator (e.g., an audiblegenerator to generate one or more audible tones to alert the user of oneor more corresponding status changes; a vibrational generator to alertthe user by sense of feel; a visual indicator, such as, for example, anLED indicator to alert the user of a corresponding status change) may beemployed. The display 78 preferably provides both streaming alerts tothe user as well as optional information messages.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are block diagrams of the device 12 and the analog sensor8, respectively, of FIG. 1. Each of the device 12 and the sensor 8includes an RF transceiver (RF RX/TX) 86 having an external antenna 88,a battery 90 for powering the various sensor components, a suitableprocessor, such as a microcontroller (PC) 92 or 93 having RAM 94, ROM96, a timer 98 (e.g., in order to provide, for example, a periodicwake-up of the corresponding PC 92 or 93, in order to periodically senddevice or sensor status information back to the base station 4 ofFIG. 1) and other memory (e.g., EEPROM 100 including the unique ID 102of the component which is stored therein during manufacturing), and adevice or sensor program switch 104,104′ for mating with the fob programswitch 74 of FIG. 3.

Alternatively, the device 12 may be powered from a suitable AC/DC powersource (not shown). The device 12 of FIG. 4 includes a suitable controloutput 116 (e.g., adapted to open and/or close a water valve). Othernon-limiting examples of devices (i.e., output nodes), such as 12,include water valves (shut off; turn on), gas valves (shut off; turnon), electrical switches (power shut off; power turn on), generator(shut off; turn on), garage door (open; close), deadbolt lock (lock;unlock), thermostat (set setpoint), appliance electrical switches(appliance power shut off; appliance power turn on), light switches(shut off lights; turn on lights), communication “firewall” control(enable or secure; disable or insecure), relay device (normally opencontact; normally close contact), X10 gateway (enable; disable), cameratrigger (trigger snapshot), and water sprinkler (turn on; turn off).

When a sensor (input node) (e.g., water sensor), such as 8,10, joins thewireless network 20 of FIG. 1, the user is prompted by the fob 6 to: (1)select a name for the sensor (e.g., washer; water heater; basement); (2)indicate what event or state change will trigger an alert by the basestation 4 (e.g., water present; water absent); and (3) the form of alert(e.g., display message on fob 6; audible tone on fob 6; vibration on fob6; remote telephone call (e.g., through link 14 of FIG. 1); remotee-mail message (e.g., through link 14 of FIG. 1)).

When a device (output node) (e.g., water valve), such as 12, joins thewireless network 20, the user is prompted by the fob 6 to: (1) select aname for the device (e.g., main water shut off valve; water heatervalve); (2) select which of the sensors (or other nodes, such as, forexample, fob; pager; cellular telephone; PDA; wireless handheld device),such as 8,10, can control it; and (3) configure any logic (e.g., OR;AND; XOR) to be used for multiple sensor or fob inputs. For example, thefirst time that any device is added to the system 2 of FIG. 1, the useris automatically taken through fob training menus (not shown), in orderto confirm the device name, define the critical control state of thedevice, select the controller(s), and select the alert method.

The analog sensor 8 of FIG. 5 includes a physical analog input interface110 (e.g., a water detector) with the μC 93 employing an analog input112 and a corresponding analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 114.

The device 12 of FIG. 4 and the sensor 8 of FIG. 5 do not include anindicator. It will be appreciated, however, that one or both of suchdevice and sensor may employ an indicator (e.g., to show that a battery90 is OK; to show that the analog value from the ADC 114 is within anacceptable range of values; to show an on/off input or output state).

FIGS. 6A and 6B are message flow diagrams 252 and 254, respectively,showing various messages between the base station 4 and the fob 6 formonitoring the sensors 8,10 of FIG. 1 and for sending data and alerts tosuch fob. FIG. 6A shows that the fob 6 requests and receives informationfrom the base station 4. Preferably, those requests (only one request isshown) are initiated at regular (e.g., periodic) intervals. FIG. 6Bshows that the base station 4 may also send a message to the fob 6 inresponse to a state change of one of the sensors 8,10. In this example,the fob 6 is out of range of the base station 4. As shown in FIGS.2A-2B, 3 and 6A-6B, the base station 4 includes both a PIC processor 22and an RF processor 26, and the fob 6 includes both a PIC processor 54and an RF processor 58. It will be appreciated, however, that suchcomponents may alternatively employ one or more suitable processors.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the fob 6 periodically requests and receivesinformation from the base station 4. At the end of the message sequence260, the fob PIC processor 54 sends a SLEEP_request( ) 262 to the fob RFprocessor 58. Then, after a suitable sleep interval to conserve batterypower (e.g., one minute), the fob PIC processor 54 is woken by the fobtimer 55 of FIG. 3, and the fob PIC processor 54 sends a WAKEUP_request() message 264 to the fob RF processor 58. In turn, the message sequence260 is executed to refresh the local fob data table 266 with the mostrecent available information from base station 4 concerning the sensors8,10.

As part of the message sequence 260, the fob PIC processor 54 sends aPICDATA_request(rqst_updates) message 268 to the fob RF processor 58,which receives that message 268 and responsively sends aData(reqst_updates) RF message 270 to the base RF processor 26. Uponreceipt of the RF message 270, the base RF processor 26 sends anAcknowledgement(SUCCESS) RF message 272 back to the fob RF processor 58and sends a PICDATA_indication(rqst_updates) message 274 to the base PICprocessor 22. The data requested by this message 274 may include, forexample, profile and state information from one or more components, suchas the sensors 8,10 and the device 12 (FIG. 1). Here, the fob 6 isrequesting an update from the base PIC processor 22 for data from all ofthe sensors 8,10, including any newly added sensor (not shown), in viewof that state change (i.e., there is new data from the newly addedsensor). Responsive to receiving the Acknowledgement(SUCCESS) RF message272, the fob RF processor 58 sends a PICDATA_confirm(SENT) message 276to the fob PIC processor 54. Responsive to receiving thePICDATA_indication(rqst_updates) message 274, the base PIC processor 22sends a PICDATA_request(updates) message 278 to the base RF processor26, which receives that message 278 and responsively sends aData(updates) RF message 280 to the fob RF processor 58.

After receiving the Data(updates) RF message 280, the fob RF processor58 sends an Acknowledgement(SUCCESS) RF message 282 back to the base RFprocessor 26 and sends a PICDATA_indication(updates) message 286,including the requested sensor update data, to the fob PIC processor 54,which updates its local data table 266. Then, if there is no activity ofthe fob encoder 76 of FIG. 3, or if no alert is received from the basestation 4, then the fob PIC processor 54 sends a SLEEP_request( )message 262 to the fob RF processor 58 and both fob processors 54,58enter a low_power_mode( ) 288,290, respectively.

After receiving the Acknowledgement(SUCCESS) RF message 282, the base RFprocessor 26 sends a PICDATA_confirm(SENT) message 284 back to the basePIC processor 22. Following the message sequence 260, the fob timer 55awakens the fob PIC processor 54, at 291, which sends the message 264 tothe fob RF processor 58, in order to periodically repeat the messagesequence 260.

FIG. 6B shows an alert message sequence from the base station 4 to thefob 6, in which the fob 6 is out of range of the base station 4. First,at 293, the base station PIC processor 22 sends a PICDATA_request(alert)message 292 to the base station RF processor 26. In response, thatprocessor 26 sends a Data(alert) RF message 294 to the fob RF processor58. In this example, any RF message sent by the base station 4 while thefob 6 is out of range (or in low power mode) will be lost. After asuitable time out period, the base station RF processor 26 detects thenon-response by the fob 6 and responsively sends aPICDATA_confirm(OUT_OF_RANGE) message 296 back to the base station PICprocessor 22.

In the example of FIG. 6C, which begins with the Data(alert) RF message294 (FIG. 6B) to the fob RF processor 58, the fob 6 is in range of thebase station 4. The fob RF processor 58 receives the RF message 294 andresponsively sends an Acknowledgement(SUCCESS) RF message 298 back tothe base RF processor 26. Upon receipt of the RF message 298, the baseRF processor 26 sends a PICDATA_confirm(SENT) message 299 to the basePIC processor 22. Then, after the fob RF processor 58 sends the RFmessage 299, it sends a PICDATA_indication(alert) message 300 to the fobPIC processor 54. Next, the message sequence 260 of FIG. 6A is executedto provide sensor information to the fob 6.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are message flow diagrams 310,312 showing variousmessages between one of the sensors 8,10 and the base station 4 of FIG.1 for monitoring that sensor. FIG. 7A shows that the sensor sends stateinformation to the base station 4 at regular (e.g., periodic) intervals.FIG. 7B shows that the sensor also sends state information to the basestation 4 in response to sensor state changes. The sensor timer 98 ofFIG. 5 preferably establishes the regular interval,sensor_heartbeat_interval 314 of FIGS. 7A-7B (e.g., without limitation,once per minute; once per hour; once per day; any suitable time period),for that particular sensor, such as 8,10. It will be appreciated thatthe regular intervals for the various sensors 8,10 may be the same ormay be different depending upon the desired update interval for eachparticular sensor.

In FIG. 7A, after the expiration of the sensor_heartbeat_interval 314,the sensor, such as 10, wakes up (wake_up( )) at 316. Next, the sensor10 sends a Data(state_information) RF message 318 to the base station RFprocessor 26, and that RF processor 26 responsively sends anAcknowledgement(SUCCESS) RF message 320 back to the sensor 10.Responsive to receiving that message 320, the sensor 10 enters alow_power_mode( ) 324 (e.g., in order to conserve power of the sensorbattery 90 of FIG. 5). Also, responsive to sending that message 320, thebase station RF processor 26 sends a PICDATA_indication(state) message322 to the base station PIC processor 22. Both of theData(state_information) RF message 318 and the PICDATA_indication(state)message 322 convey the state of the sensor 10 (e.g., sensor on/off;sensor battery OK/low).

The low_power_mode( ) 324 is maintained until one of two events occurs.As was previously discussed, after the expiration of thesensor_heartbeat_interval 314, the sensor 10 wakes up at 316.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7B, the sensor 10 wakes up (wake_up( )326) in response to a state change (e.g., the on/off digital detector 10(FIG. 1) detects an on to off transition or an off to on transition ofthe sensor discrete input (not shown); the analog sensor 8 (FIG. 5)determines a suitable change of its analog input 110). Next, the sensor10 sends a Data(state_information) RF message 328 to the base station RFprocessor 26, and that RF processor 26 responsively sends anAcknowledgement(SUCCESS) RF message 330 back to the sensor 10.Responsive to receiving that message 330, the sensor 10 enters alow_power_mode( ) 332. After the expiration of thesensor_heartbeat_interval 314, the sensor 10 wakes up at 316 of FIG. 7A.Next, at 333, the base station RF processor 26 responsively sends aPICDATA_indication(state) message 334 to the base station PIC processor22. Both of the Data(state_information) RF message 328 and thePICDATA_indication(state) message 334 convey the state of the sensor 10.Responsive to receiving that message 334, the base station PIC processor22 sends a PICDATA_request(alert) message 336 to the base station RFprocessor 26. Such an alert is sent whenever there is any sensor statechange. Finally, the base station RF processor 26 sends a Data(alert) RFmessage 338 to the fob RF processor 58. The response by that processor58, if the fob 6 is in range, and the subsequent activity by the fob 6are discussed, above, in connection with FIG. 6C. Otherwise, if the fob6 is out of range, the subsequent activity by the base station 4 isdiscussed, above, in connection with FIG. 6B.

EXAMPLE 1

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a software routine 350 executed by the basePIC processor 22 of FIG. 2A. For range-based automatic arming anddisarming of one or more functions of the system 2 of FIG. 1, the basestation 4 knows that the fob 6 is out of range by, for example,detecting whether a periodic fob message (such as RF message 270 ormessage 274 of FIG. 6A) was received in a predetermined time interval(e.g., a suitable time). For example, the fob 6 sends the periodic (orheartbeat) RF message 270 to the base station 4 about, for example, oncea minute (or faster). If the base station 4 does not hear from the fob 6in, for example, three heartbeats or within three minutes, then itchanges over to an “automatic callme” mode.

In this example, there is a single fob, such as fob 6 of FIG. 1. First,at 352, the base PIC processor 22 responds to a periodic interrupt(e.g., without limitation, about once a minute; any suitable time) fromits timer 25 of FIG. 2A. At 354, it is determined if the last message274 of FIG. 6A was received in a predetermined time interval (e.g.,within any suitable time; within the last N minutes; within the last 3minutes). If so, then the routine 350 returns at 360. Otherwise, at 356,it is determined if an “automatic call” mode was enabled. If not, thenthe routine 350 returns at 360. Otherwise, at 358, the “automaticcallme” mode is entered at 358 before the routine 350 returns at 360.

EXAMPLE 2

In response to detecting that the fob 6 is out of range, the basestation 4 discontinues the fob alerts, such as 294 of FIG. 6B, andbegins to send alerts, for example, through a non-wireless communicationport, such as, for example, to the modem 50 (FIG. 2A) or to a UniversalSerial Bus (USB) channel (not shown) in the “automatic callme” mode 358of FIG. 8.

EXAMPLE 3

As an alternative to Example 1, any suitable algorithm (e.g., evaluationof the RF signal strength of the fob 6) may be employed by the basestation 4 to detect that the fob 6 is out of range of the base station.

EXAMPLE 4

The fob 6 can determine that the base station 4 does not acknowledge orrespond to its periodic RF message 270 of FIG. 6A and, thus, mayconclude after one or more of such failed attempts that the fob 6 is outof range of the base station 4. In turn, the fob 6 may annunciate asuitable alert 84 (FIG. 3) (e.g., play a suitable “switching to callme”tone).

EXAMPLE 5

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a software routine 350′ executed by the basePIC processor 22 of FIG. 2A. This algorithm may be applied on a persystem basis and the user may determine whether they want to shift intothe “automatic callme” mode 358 (FIGS. 8 and 9) when “any” fob, such asfobs 6,6A,6B of FIG. 1, is missing or is out of range of the basestation 4. Example 6, below, covers the case when “all” fobs are missingor out of range. The default is “any” to be safe.

As was discussed above in connection with Example 2, in response todetecting that any fob is out of range, the base station 4 begins tosend alerts, for example, to the modem 50 (FIG. 2A) or to the USBchannel (not shown) in the “automatic callme” mode 358.

The routine 350′ is similar to the routine 350 of FIG. 8. Prior to 354,a variable FOB is set to one at 353. If the last message 274 of FIG. 6Awas received in the predetermined time interval for the particular fob,then the variable FOB is incremented at 362. Then, at 364, if thevariable FOB does not exceed a maximum value (e.g., MAX=three for theexample three fobs 6,6A,6B of FIG. 1), then step 354 is repeated.Otherwise, the routine 350′ returns at 360.

EXAMPLE 6

As an alternative to Example 5, the base station 4 shifts into the“automatic callme” mode 358 when “all” fobs, such as all of the fobs6,6A,6B of FIG. 1, are missing or out of range of the base station 4.

EXAMPLE 7

In addition to any of Examples 1-6, above, in response to detecting thatthe fob 6 is out of range, the base station 4 may cause, for example,one or more doors to be auto-locked and/or one or more lights orappliances to be turned off through one or more corresponding outputdevices, such as 12 of FIG. 1. Hence, the fob's range from the basestation 4 may drive a critical control function, such as, for example,locking a door. The messages associated with an example control functionare discussed, below, in connection with FIG. 12.

EXAMPLE 8

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a software routine 350″ executed by thebase PIC processor 22 of FIG. 2B. In response to detecting that the fob6 is out of range, the base station 46 cannot send alerts to the modem50 (FIG. 2A) or to the USB channel (not shown), since there is none.However, in this example, like Example 7, the base station 46 may cause,for example, one or more doors to be auto-locked and/or one or morelights or appliances to be turned off through one or more correspondingoutput devices, such as 12 of FIG. 1. Hence, the fob's range from thebase station 46 may drive a critical control function, such as, forexample, locking a door.

The routine 350″ is similar to the routine 350 of FIG. 8. If, at 354, itis determined that the last message 274 of FIG. 6A was not received inthe predetermined time interval, then, at 356″, it is determined if a“critical control” mode was enabled. If not, then the routine 350″returns at 360. Otherwise, at 358″, one or more corresponding outputdevices, such as 12 of FIG. 1, are set to predetermined output states(s)before the routine 350″ returns at 360.

EXAMPLE 9

When out of range, the fob 6 does not let the user train any device,such as 12, or sensor, such as 8,10, other than itself. Hence, the fob 6displays, for example, “out of range, can't train device”. When the fob6 gets back into range of the base station 4, the fob's own trainingsettings are updated with the base station 4, in order that changes theuser made while away are reflected on all other fobs, such as 6A,6B, inthe system 2.

EXAMPLE 10

The system 2 of FIG. 1 allows the user to chose between, for example,three basic configurations during system setup. These include: (1) “inhome” alerts only in which the alerts are only delivered to a localinterface, such as the fob 6; (2) “automatic call” in which the fobpresence/absence detection ability of the base station 4 is employed todetermine if the user is within the home or has left the area with anyof the fobs 6,6A,6B (e.g., when a user leaves the area, the system 2switches to notification via, for example, the modem 50 (FIG. 2A), theUSB channel (not shown), e-mail messages or SMS (text) messages to acellular telephone (not shown) for alerts defined by the user as “callme” alerts); and (3) “always call” in which the system defaults tonotification via, for example, the modem 50 (FIG. 2A), the USB channel(not shown), e-mail messages or SMS (text) messages to a cellulartelephone (not shown) for alerts defined by the user as “call me”alerts.

EXAMPLE 11

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a software routine 370 executed by the basePIC processor 22 of FIG. 2A. The routine 370 is somewhat similar to theroutine 350 of FIG. 8. In addition, if, at 354, it is determined thatthe last message 274 of FIG. 6A was received in the predetermined timeinterval, then, at 372, it is determined if an “automatic call” mode wasenabled. If not, then the routine 370 returns at 360. Otherwise, at 374,the base station 4 changes back over to “in home” mode 374, which sendsalerts to the local interface, such as the fob 6. Finally, the routine370 returns at 360.

EXAMPLE 12

FIG. 12 is a message flow diagram 380 showing various messages among oneof the sensors 8,10, the base station 4 and the device 12 of FIG. 1 formonitoring that sensor and controlling that device. FIG. 12 is similarto FIG. 7B, except that message 382, control action 384 and message 386are added. As was discussed, the sensors, such as 8,10, send stateinformation to the base station 4 at regular (e.g., periodic) intervals,as shown in FIGS. 7B and 12, or in response to sensor state changes, asshown in FIG. 7A.

Responsive to receiving the message 334, the base station PIC processor22 sends the PICDATA_request(command) message 336 to the base station RFprocessor 26. Such a command is sent, in this example, when the sensorstate change corresponds to an alert condition (e.g., water detected).Finally, the base station RF processor 26 sends a Data(command) RFmessage 382 to the device 12. In response, that device 12 undertakes acorresponding control action 384 (e.g., close valve) and sends backfeedback status 386 to the base station RF processor 26.

EXAMPLE 13

As an alternative to Examples 1, 3 and 4, a suitable signal strength orproximity sensor (e.g., without limitation, RFTAG) (not shown) in thefob 6 and a suitable sensor (not shown) in one or more doorframes (notshown) may determine if the fob 6 is “leaving” range, signal the basestation 4 of this fact, and deliver a “shifting to callme” message tothe fob 6.

While for clarity of disclosure reference has been made herein to theexemplary display 78 for displaying home system information, it will beappreciated that such information may be stored, printed on hard copy,be computer modified, or be combined with other data. All suchprocessing shall be deemed to fall within the terms “display” or“displaying” as employed herein.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given thefull breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

1. A system for a structure, said system comprising: a server comprisinga first wireless communication port and a first non-wirelesscommunication port; at least one fob, each of said at least one fobcomprising a second wireless communication port adapted to communicatewith the first wireless communication port of said server; and at leastone node different than said at least one fob, each of said at least onenode being a sensor node or a device node and comprising a thirdwireless communication port adapted to send information to or receiveinformation from the first wireless communication port of said server,wherein said server is adapted to determine if at least one of said atleast one fob is out of range of wireless communication with said serverand to responsively send information from the first non-wirelesscommunication port of said server or to responsively send predeterminedinformation from the first wireless communication port of said server toat least one of said at least one node.
 2. The system of claim 1 whereinsaid at least one fob is a single fob which is adapted to periodicallysend a message from the second wireless communication port of saidsingle fob to the first wireless communication port of said server; andwherein said server is adapted to determine that said single fob is outof range by detecting whether said periodically sent message wasreceived in a predetermined time interval.
 3. The system of claim 2wherein said single fob is adapted to periodically send said messagefrom the second wireless communication port of said single fob to thefirst wireless communication port of said server about once per minute;and wherein said predetermined time interval is about three minutes. 4.The system of claim 2 wherein said server is adapted to send alertmessages responsive to receiving information from said at least one nodeon the first wireless communication port of said server; and whereinsaid server sends said alert messages to said single fob from the firstwireless communication port of said server if said server receives saidperiodically sent message from the second wireless communication port ofsaid single fob at the first wireless communication port of said serverin said predetermined time interval and, otherwise, sends said alertmessages from the first non-wireless communication port of said server.5. The system of claim 1 wherein said server is adapted to send alertmessages responsive to receiving information from said at least one nodeon the first wireless communication port of said server; and whereinsaid server sends said alert messages to said at least one fob from thefirst wireless communication port of said server if said at least one ofsaid at least one fob is in range of wireless communication with saidserver and, otherwise, sends said alert messages from the firstnon-wireless communication port of said server.
 6. The system of claim 5wherein said first non-wireless communication port of said server is amodem.
 7. The system of claim 5 wherein said server includes a firstmode and a second mode; wherein said first mode is adapted to only sendsaid alert messages to said at least one fob from the first wirelesscommunication port of said server; and wherein said second mode isadapted to send said alert messages from the first non-wirelesscommunication port of said server if at least one of said at least onefob is out of range of wireless communication with said server and,otherwise, to send said alert messages from the first wirelesscommunication port of said server to said at least one fob.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7 wherein said at least one fob is a plurality of fobs;and wherein said server is adapted to determine if any of said fobs areout of range of wireless communication with said server and toresponsively send said alert messages from the first non-wirelesscommunication port of said server.
 9. The system of claim 7 wherein saidat least one fob is a single fob; and wherein said server is adapted todetermine if said single fob is out of range of wireless communicationwith said server and to responsively send said alert messages from thefirst non-wireless communication port of said server.
 10. The system ofclaim 7 wherein said at least one fob is a plurality of fobs; andwherein said server is adapted to determine if all of said fobs are outof range of wireless communication with said server and to responsivelysend said alert messages from the first non-wireless communication portof said server.
 11. The system of claim 7 wherein said at least one fobis a single fob; and wherein said server is adapted to determine if saidsingle fob is in range of wireless communication with said server and toresponsively send said alert messages from the first wirelesscommunication port of said server to said single fob.
 12. The system ofclaim 7 wherein said at least one node includes a plurality of outputdevices; wherein said server is adapted to send control information tosaid output devices from the first wireless communication port of saidserver; and wherein said server, responsive to determining that said atleast one of said at least one fob is out of range of wirelesscommunication with said server, sends a corresponding predeterminedoutput state to at least some of said output devices as said controlinformation.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one fob isa single fob; and wherein said single fob is adapted to determine ifsaid single fob is out of range of wireless communication with saidserver and to display an alert.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein saidsingle fob is adapted to send a wireless message from the secondwireless communication port of said single fob toward the first wirelesscommunication port of said server and to determine an absence of anacknowledge message from said server to the second wirelesscommunication port of said single fob in a predetermined time interval.15. The system of claim 1 wherein said device node is an output device;wherein said server is adapted to send control information to saidoutput device from the first wireless communication port of said server;and wherein said server, responsive to determining that said at leastone of said at least one fob is out of range of wireless communicationwith said server, sends a predetermined output state to said outputdevice as said control information.
 16. The system of claim 1 whereinsaid at least one node includes a plurality of output devices; whereinsaid server is adapted to send control information to said outputdevices from the first wireless communication port of said server; andwherein said server, responsive to determining that said at least one ofsaid at least one fob is out of range of wireless communication withsaid server, sends a corresponding predetermined output state to atleast some of said output devices as said control information.
 17. Amethod of wireless communication, said method comprising: employing aserver including a first wireless communication port and a firstnon-wireless communication port; employing a fob including a secondwireless communication port adapted to communicate with the firstwireless communication port of said server; employing at least onesensor node or device node, said at least one sensor node or device nodebeing different than said fob and including a third wirelesscommunication port; sending information to the third wirelesscommunication port of said device node from the first wirelesscommunication port of said server or receiving information at the firstwireless communication port of said server from the third wirelesscommunication port of said sensor node; and determining if said fob isout of range of wireless communication with said server and responsivelysending information from the first non-wireless communication port ofsaid server or responsively sending predetermined information from thefirst wireless communication port of said server to at least one of saidat least one sensor node or device node.
 18. The method of claim 17further comprising employing an output device as said at least onesensor node or device node; sending control information to said outputdevice from the first wireless communication port of said server; andresponsive to determining that said fob is out of range of wirelesscommunication with said server, sending a predetermined output state tosaid output device as said control information.
 19. The method of claim17 further comprising receiving information from said at least onesensor node or device node on the first wireless communication port ofsaid server; sending alert messages responsive to said receivinginformation from said at least one sensor node or device node on thefirst wireless communication port of said server; and sending said alertmessages to said fob from the first wireless communication port of saidserver when said fob is in range of wireless communication with saidserver and alternatively sending said alert messages from the firstnon-wireless communication port of said server when said fob is out ofrange of wireless communication with said server.
 20. The method ofclaim 19 further comprising employing an output device as said at leastone sensor node or device node; sending control information to saidoutput device from the first wireless communication port of said server;and responsive to determining that said fob is out of range of wirelesscommunication with said server, sending a predetermined output state tosaid output device as said control information.
 21. A system for astructure, said system comprising: a server comprising a first wirelesscommunication port and a first non-wireless communication port; and atleast one fob, each of said at least one fob comprising a secondwireless communication port adapted to communicate with the firstwireless communication port of said server, wherein said server isadapted to responsively enable a first system function if at least oneof said at least one fob is out of range of wireless communication withsaid server and, otherwise, to responsively disable said first systemfunction and to enable a different second system function.